New York Giants fans and fantasy football players are keeping a close eye on the team's injury report in advance of Sunday's game in New England, and the early returns are not encouraging. Star wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and running back Ahmad Bradshaw both sat out Wednesday's practice with injuries they sustained in Sunday's victory over the Dolphins -- Nicks with a hamstring injury and Bradshaw with a foot injury.

Now, that doesn't mean they're sure to miss Sunday's game. Bradshaw has been dealing with foot problems for years and has had weeks in the past when he didn't practice much or at all but still managed to play in the game. And of Nicks, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said, according to our man Ohm Youngmisuk, "It is going to be day to day. He tells me he is better, says all the right things but he is not going to work today."

Interestingly, wide receiver Mario Manningham also missed practice, though the team has yet to say why. Because of the Nicks injury and maybe because of whatever's keeping Manningham out, Coughlin said receiver Ramses Barden, who's been on the PUP list while recovering from last year's broken ankle, "is going to get pushed a little harder this week." Coughlin said the same about injured rookie cornerback Prince Amukamara, who could be pressed into action due to the season-ending injury suffered by Justin Tryon on Sunday.

Defensive end Osi Umenyiora has a shoulder injury and didn't practice, though it sounds like they're not worried about him. And center David Baas, who injured his knee Sunday, also missed practice. But most eyes this week will be on the team's top receiver and top running back to see if they'll be able to answer the bell for Sunday's game against Patriots. They're likely to need all the help they can get if they plan to try and outscore Tom Brady's bunch in Foxborough.